Tractor trailer coupling and power transmission therethrough



April 5, 1960 J. E. HANCOCK TRACTOR TRAILER COUPLING AND POWER TRANSMISSION Ti-IERE'I'l-ROUGH Filed Feb. 17, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet l g Q g g QR I .05 3 w 3 9 m: k 98 IN VEN TOR. James E. Hancock AT TOR NEV6.

April 5, 1960 J,E.HANCOCK TRACTOR TRAILER COUPLING AND POWER TRANSMISSION THERETHROUGH Filed Feb. 17, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 f m 11 ms INVENTOR. James 5. Hancock.

A TTORNE Y5 April 5, 1960 .1. E. HANCOCK V TRACTOR TRAILER COUPLING AND POWER TRANSMISSION THERETHROUGH Filed Feb. 17, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. James 5. Hancock.

my m g Mam April 5, 1960 J. E. HANCOCK 2,931,451

TRACTOR TRAILER coumuc AND POWER TRANSMISSION THERE'I'HROUGH Filed Feb. 1'1, 1958 e Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

James E. Hancock.

Mug ,4

ATTORNEYS.

Aprifl 5, 1960 J. E. HANCOCK 2,931,451

TRACTOR TRAILER COUPLING AND POWER TRANSMISSION THERETI-IROUGH Filed Feb. 17, 1858 V 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 &

I N VEN TOR. James E. Hancock.

WWW/4% Aprifl 5, 1966 J. E. HANCOCK TRACTOR {RAILER COUPLING AND POWER TRANSMISSION THERETHROUGH 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Feb. 17, 1958 IN V EN TOR. James 5. Hancock.

A 'TTORN E Y5.

TRACTOR TRAILER COUPLING AND PGWER TRANSMISSION THERETHROUGH James E. Hancock, Lubbock, Tex.

Application February 17, 1958, Serial N 715,713

7 Claims. (Cl. 180-14) This invention relates to a tractor propelled earth moving apparatus such as scrapers, and more particularly to a direct mounting or connection of the scraper and tractor and an arrangement for a drive or power connection from the tractor to operating parts on the earth moving apparatus.

Tractor propelled earth moving apparatus is common-- ly arranged whereby the earth moving apparatus is connected to the tractor in trailing relationship with the tractor and trailer structure or scraper connected by a coupling device called a fifth wheel. With tractor propelled scrapers, the fifth wheel usually includes a ball and socket unit and stabilizing members, and when there are operating parts on the trailer or scraper, they are driven from a power take-E of the tractor through a telescoping drive shaft having universal joints at the power take-01f shaft and adjacent a support on the scraper. The drive through the telescoping drive shaft and universal joint is such that the tractor and trailer may have tilted relation, one traveling over uneven or hilly ground, and the longitudinal axes of the tractor and trailer can assume some angular relation as when turning. However, the angular relationship of the longitudinal axes of the tractor and trailer are limited to less than a right angle, thereby limiting the turning radius and maneuverability of the equipment due to the limits of the angle the telescoping drive shaft can assume with the power take-01f shaft which is spaced from the fifth wheel in conventional structures.

The principal objects of the present invention are to provide a tractor propelled trailer, such as earth moving apparatus, with a power connection from the tractor to the operating parts on the trailer that eliminates the above disadvantages and permits increased maneuverability; to provide a tractor propelled earth moving apparatus with a coupling structure and mounting therefor which stabilizes the forward end of the trailing apparatus while moving over uneven or hilly ground; to provide sucha structure with a power transmission apparatus from the tractor power take-ofi through the coupling device to operating parts on the earth moving apparatus that permits the longitudinal axes of the tractor and trailing appa ratus to assume a right angle for a short turning radius and maneuverability; to provide such a structure wherein the angular relationship of the tractor and trailing apparatus, as when turning, imparts no additional stress on the drive connecting apparatus between the tractor and trailer; to provide such an apparatus in which all universal joints in driving members move through a substantially minimum angle; to provide a clutch controlled friction drive unit in the power transmission apparatus whereby the friction drive will slip if movement of the driven member is obstructed, thereby preventing damage to the driving apparatus; to provide such a structure wherein the coupling device includes sections rotatably mounted on a substantially vertical axis with one of the sections non-rotatably connected to the trailing apparanited States atent tus and the other section non-rotatably connected to the tractor; to provide such an apparatus wherein the coupling, as a whole, is pivotally mounted about a horizontal transverse axis and a substantially horizontal longitudinal axis with the coupling joint above said horizontal axes; and to provide a unique structure that combines the draft connection and the power transmission from a tractor to a trailing apparatus that is relatively compact, sturdy, and efficient in operation regardless of the angle of draft between the tractor and trailing implement.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein are set forth by way of illustration and examples, certain embodiments of this invention.

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of a four wheel tractor and trailer implement connected with a draft coupling and power transmission structure embodying the features of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged side elevation of the forward portion of the trailing implement and rearward portion of the tractor, with portions broken away to illustrate the draft coupling and drive mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view through the tractor on the line 3-3, Fig. 2, looking rearwardly toward the trailing implement.

Fig. 4 is a partial side elevation of a tractor and trailing apparatus, with portions broken away to illustrate the structure thereof.

Fig. 5 is a vertical sectional view through the coupling and drive mechanism on the line 55, Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view through the coupling and drive mechanism on the line 65, Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view through the tractor extension frame and drive mechanism on the line 7--7, Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view through the drive mechanism on the line 8--8, Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is a vertical sectional view through a modified form of drive mechanism and control therefor.

Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view through the modified form of drive mechanism on the line l010, Fig. 9.

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a tractor propelled earth moving apparatus wherein the tractor is of two wheeled type.

Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional view through the rear portion of the tractor illustrating the mounting of the A-frame on the two wheeled tractor.

Fig. 13 is an enlarged partial vertical sectional view through the draft coupling of the tractor and trailer apparatus illustrating the ring for retaining the sleeve on the hollow post.

Referring more in detail'to the drawings:

1 designates a trailer type implement propelled by a tractor 2 with a power or drive connection from the tractor to operating parts on the trailer type implement for driving same. In the illustrated structure, the trailer type implement is earth moving apparatus such as a scraper having a frame 3, the rear end of which is sup ported by groundengaging wheels 4 and the forward end of said frame having a pair of arms 5 pivotally connected thereto as at 6 with said arms extending forwardly and terminating in a gooseneck 7 having a fifth wheel connection or draft coupling member 8 at its forward end. Side members 9 depend from the forward portion of the frame 3 with a scraper blade 10 disposed therebetween and extending transversely of the trailer unit. An hydraulic extensible member 11 has its ends 12 and 13 connected to the side members 9 and arms 5 respectively in spaced relation to the pivot 6 whereby extension of the extensible member 11 moves the side members 9 and "blade rs'sdwnwardn relative to the armsS to engage the "scraper blade it? withthe ground. Rearwar'dly o'f'th'e scraper blade 1% is one or'fmore'boxes 14 for receiving earth scraped up by the blade; the one or more boxes 14 "being 's'win'g'ably carried relative to the frame Withthe "swinging movement under control of an extensible 'hydraulic member 1'5 and linkage "16 whereby the boxes are [positioned to 'c'o-llect earth or swung to dumping posi- "tiontospr'ea'd the earth under the "structure. The'e arth receiving boxes and the dumping a'n'd spreadirig structure and operating members therefor 'areexernptar 'only 'as 'anysuitables trtictur'e may he used.

A conveyor 17 is supported on the scraper structure whereby operation of said conveyormov'es the chains 18 "thereof and the flights 19 thereon rearwardly and'upwardly on the lower run of said conveyor whereby it 'rak'es'dirt from the scraper blade rearwardlyinto the "boxes 14, the forward'l'ower end of the conveyor'being suitably supported whereby it will float upwardly on "earth being moved over the scraper-blade but its downward'movement. is limited so the flights will pass overthe s'cra'perblade in closely spaced relation thereto.

The trailer type scraper apparatus illustrated and described, with the exceptionof the support for the goose:

neck 7 and the drive for the conveyor 17, is preferably "'of'th'e structure disclosed and described in the Hancock Patent No. 2,791,041, issued May 7, 1957,on Earth *Handling Apparatus.

The tra'ctorZ may be either wheel ortr'ack type"s'uitable for propelling the scraper and having 'a power take- 013?; however, it is preferred to employ a Wheel type tractor having inflated rubber tired steering wheels 20 and inflated rubber tired driving wheels 21. The tractor :may be of either the two-Wheel drive or four-wheel 'drive type as desired. The tractor has a frame 22 with an "engine 23 thereon connected through the usual transmission case to a differential in a difierential housing 24 having oppositely extending axle housings 24' enclosing wheel driving'axles 25 for driving the wheels-21. The tractor has an operators station 26 above and'spaced forwardly of the differential housing 24 in a position to facilitate driving of the tractor andoperatingthe various --eontr'ols therefor. The tractor 'has an auxiliary power shaft or power take-off shaft 27 which may be in any suitable position and connection to'the the tractor power. In the illustrated structure the shaft "27 -is extending rearwardly from the difierential housing 24 operable independently of the axles 25 for providing driving power to the conveyor 17 as later described.

The forward end of the gooseneck 7 is supported on the tractor'2 substantially over the differential housing 24 for pivotal movement inturning of the apparatus and -traversing hilly and uneven ground by a-fifth whee1'ap- .paratus 28 carried by the tractor. Spaeedbrackets '29 arefixed at opposite sides of the ditfere-ntial'housing-24 to the axle housings 24' as by welding and carry pivot pins 30 to mount the lower ends of legs-31 of an in- -verted U-frame or coupling support-32. The inverted -U-frame is arranged whereby the legs 31'are onopposite sides of the differential housing 24 with their-upper 'en'ds connected by a bar 33 extending transversely of the'tractor above the differential housing 24, the pivot pins 30 being arranged whereby the inverted U-frant'e midway the width of the inverted -U-frame 32. The rocker frame includes a plate member 35 having spaced depending ears 36 and 37 substantially straddlingthe inverted U-frame top bar 33 with inwardly extending trunnions 39 on said ears rotatably-mounted --in ="oppo-.

sitely opening sockets 4% in said top bar 33 ofthe in- "v'e'rt'ed U frar'n'e. The sockets 4% "are preferam tapered outwardly and the trunnions correspondingly tapered,

the tapered portion of the trunnions terminating in 5 threaded portions 41 screwed in threaded bores 42 in the cars 36 and 37 whereby screwing the trunnions in and out relative to the sockets will provide an adjustment for the bearings formed by the trunnionsand sockets to substantially eliminate play i n -the rotatable mounting of the r ocker fra'me on theinverted U-frame. Retainer caps 43 aresecured-on the ears -36and 37 by suitable fastening devices 'to hold the trunnions in adjusted position. The "rocker frame extends rearwar'dl'y from the inverted U-frame and-has depending side plates 44 on the top plate 35 which co-operate with the top plate and rearwardly disposed ear 37 to form a gear box receiving recess 45 as later described.

A hollow fifth wheel post 46 extends upwardly :from the rearward portion'of the top plate 35 above the recess 45 at right angles to the axis of'thetrunnions 40. A pair of thrust washers or bearing plates 47 are sleeved on 'the post'46 and engage the top plate 35 and a bushing or sleeve 48 is 'rotatably mounted on saidposhsaidsleeve having an annular flange portion 49 at'the tower e'nd thereof"resting on the upper-washer 47. Aring member '50 is secured to the'upperfend of the hollow post 4'6 by suitable-"fastening devices'fsu'c'h as'screws 5 1,said "ring "member having an annular'fiange portion 52 extending 'outwa'rdlyand engaging the upper "end of'the sleeve 48 to retain 'same a'gainst'upwar'd movement on thepo'st. The forward end of the gooseneck 7 has a bore 53 for receiving the sleeve 48 with forwardly extending flanges 54- onbpposite'sides of aradial slot in said forward end of the gooseneck with fastening devices 55 engaging said fianges 54 to draw same together to tighten the bore 53 on to the sleeve 4-8 to 'secure said sleeve or bushing 48 to the forward end of the gooseneck and form a bearing therefor. The sleeve 48 may be secured to the gooseneck by any suitable manner as for example by welding. The clamp fasteneris preferred only for ease of replacement of the sleeve. The sleeve 48' is of greater 'heighth than'the forward end of the gooseneck, as illustrated-in Fig. 4. With this arrangement, the sleeve or bushing 48 serves as "a bearing for the forward endof the gooseneck 7 of the scraper and forms a rotatable connection with the hollow fifth wheel post46 whereby the longitudinal axes of the scraper-and tractor may assurne angular relationship as when turning and the lateral rocking of the rocker *frarne provides for lateral inclined relationship 'of'the tractor and scraper as when moving over uneven ground, and the swinging of'tlie in- '-verted -U-frame about the transverse axis defined by t-he pins-311 permits movement of the tractor and scraper over hilly ground without undue stress on the draft-con- -nection bet'ween-thetractor and trailer 'or scr'ap'e'r. The support for the gooseneck of th'e scraper, whichdntum supports the forward fiend of the scraper, ap'plie's the weight thereof to the drive wheels .Tof'theitractor toincrease the traction thereon. Also, the positioning ofithe fifth wheel or draft connection is such that thereis no interference in turning of the tractor relative to thescraper to-a position whereby the longitudinalaxis of the tractor is atright anglesto thelongitudinahaxisrof thea scraper.

The drive=from the power take-elf shaft 27- to the-conveyor 17 issuch that there is no interference therewith at the various angular positions between the axesof the tractor and scraper. The drive and support therefor includes a tractor frameextension 57 having laterally spaced lower members 58 suitably secured asby fastening devices -59-with-the tractor frame 22 and extending-reap wardly therefrom. Laterally spaced upperframe members60 are secured on opposite sides of the differential housing 24 above the axle housings 2 tand extend rearwar'dly therefrom with'the rear ends of the framemem- .5 bets 58 audit) suitably =secured as-by weldingtoan up- .5 right rear plate 62, suitable bracing bars 63 extending between and suitably secured to the frame members 58 and 60 cooperating with the mountings of said frame members and the rear plate 62 to make a substantially rigid structure for supporting drive members as later described. Vertically spaced bearing brackets 64 and 65 are secured to the rear plate 62 to suitably support bearings 66 and 67 respectively in rearwardly spaced relation to said rear plate 62. The bearing 66 is substantially in axial alignment with the power take-d shaft 27 and rotatably mounts the rear end portion of a drive shaft extension 63, the forward end portion of said drive shaft extension being suitably connected by a flexible coupling 69 with the power take-off shaft 27. The rear end of a shaft 70 is rotatably mounted in the bearing 67 the forward end of said shaft being supported by a bearing member 71 suitably secured to the rear plate 62 whereby said bearings 67 and 71 support the shaft 70 in substantially parallel relation to the shaft extension 68. A sheave pulley 72 is fixed on the shaft 70 and is operatively connected by flexible driving members such as belts 73 with a sheave pulley 74 rotatably mounted on the shaft extension 68, said sheave pulleys 72 and 74 being between the bearings 66 and 67 and the rear plate 62.

A conventional clutch operatively connects the sheave pulley 74 with the drive shaft extension 68, said clutch including a shiftable member 75 suitably keyed to the shaft 68 and movable by a ring 76 engaged in a groove 77 in said clutch shift member, said disc having cars 78 engaged by a yoke 79 of a lever 80 pivotally mounted on a pin 81 with the other end of said lever connected as at 82 to a control rod 83 extending forwardly of the tractor to a control lever 34. The forward end of the shaft 70 is connected by a universal joint 85 to one member 86 of a telescoping drive shaft, the other member 87 of which is connected by a universal joint 83 with a shaft 89 in a gear box 90 mounted in the recess 45 of the rocker frame whereby the shaft 89 is coaxial with the trunnions 40 which rotatably mount the rocker frame on the inverted U-frame. The shaft 89 is rotatably mounted in bearings 91 carried by the housing 90 with the inner end of said shaft having a bevel gear 92 fixed thereon and meshing with a bevel gear 93 fixed on a shaft 94 rotatably mounted in bearings 95 supported in a gear box extension 96 extending upwardly from said gear box and having a peripheral shape substantially corresponding to the bore 97 in the fifth wheel post 46 to align the shaft 94 with the axis of said post 46. The gear box 90 is positioned between the depending side walls 44 and is secured in position by suitable fastening devices such as screws 90' to rigidly connect the gear box to said side walls 44 and thereby fix the axes of the shaft 89 and shaft 94 relative to the axes of the trunnious 40 and the post 46. While bevel gears 92 and 93 are shown in the gear box 90, it is to be understood that any suitable power transmission devices may be used which will provide the drive with the change of direction thereof from the input shaft 89 and output shaft 94.

The output shaft 94 is operatively connected through suitable gearing or other power transmission mechanism to the conveyor mechanism on the scraper. In the illustrated structure, a gear box 93 is secured to upstanding side plates 99 fixed on a cap member that sleeves over the upper portion of the sleeve 48 and is fixed thereto by suitable fastening devices such as screws 101. The gear box has-a downward extension 1132 having bearings 1&3 which rotatably support a shaft 104 in coaxial alignment with the shaft 94. The adjacent ends of the shafts 94 and 104 are preferably splined as at 195 to key same to a coupling member 106 whereby the rotation of the shaft 94 will rotate the shaft 104. The upper end of the shaft 104 in the gear box 98 has a bevel gear 107 fixed thereto and meshing with a bevel gear 108 fixed on an output shaft 109 rotatably mounted in bearings 110 carried by the gear box 98. The gears 107 and 108 provide a change direction drive, however, other suitable drive mechanism may be used in the box 98 to effect rotation of the shaft 109 in response to rotation of the shaft 104.

The gear box 98 is fixed to the plates 99 which in turn are fixed to the cap member secured to the sleeve 48 that is held in fixed relation to the gooseneck 7 of the scraper, the gear box being turned whereby the shaft 109 extends rearwardly therefrom to one side of the gooseneck with the rear end of the shaft 109 connected by a universal joint 111 with the forward end of a shaft 112 also extending alongside of the gooseneck 7 with the rear portion of said shaft 112 suitably supported in a bearing 113 carried by a bracket 114 on the side of the gooseneck 7. Adjacent the bearing 113 and rearwardly thereof, the shaft 112 is connected by a universal joint 115 with one end of a telescoping shaft member 116 which rotates the other member 117 of said telescoping shaft with the rear end of said telescoping shaft member 117 being connected by a flexible joint 118 with a shaft 119 that drives suitable gearing in a housing 120 on one side of the conveyor structure to drive the conveyor.

It is preferable to support the bearings 67 and 71 on the brackets 65 and plate 62 respectively by suitable fastening devices 121 which extend through slots. 122

whereby the bearings may be moved to change the spacing between the shafts 68 and 70 to adjust'the tension on the belt 73. Adjusting screws 123 are supported in a plate 124 secured to the brackets 65 and plate 62 to facilitate moving of the bearings 67 and 71.

In using a structure constructed and assembled as described, the engine on the tractor is started and operatively connected through the differential and axles 25 to the driving wheels, whereby the tractor will propel the scraper to a location where the scraper is to be loaded. Fluid from a source of fluid pressure and through controls on the tractor is transmitted through fluid lines 125 to the extensible member 11 whereby extending same moves the forward portion of the frame of the scraper downwardly to engage the scraper blade 10 with the earth to be moved. Then the clutch operating lever 80 is moved to effect driving engagement of the shaft 68 with the pulley 74 to rotate said pulley, and through the belt 73 drive the pulley 72 to rotate the shaft 70, telescoping shaft members 86 and 87, shaft 39, gears 92 and 93, shaft 94, coupling 106, shaft 104 and gears 107 and 108, to the shaft 109 whereby rotation of same will rotate the shafts to drive the conveyor mechanism 17. Then on movement of the tractor and scraper, the earth is moved over the scraper blade, and by the conveyor is further moved into the boxes 14 of the scraper. When a suitable amount of earth is loaded into the scraper, the hydraulic controls are operated to effect contraction of the extensible member 11 to raise the forward end of the scraper to a position as shown in Fig. l, and the clutch lever 80 operated to disengage the drive to the conveyor 17. The tractor is then operated to propel the scraper to a point where it is to be unloaded, and the hydraulic controls operated to effect operation of the extensible member 15 to tilt the boxes 14 whereby the earth is spread under the scraper as it is further moved over the terrain on which the earth is to be deposited. If the apparatus is operated over uneven ground wherein the tractor tilts laterally relative to the scraper, the rocker frame 34 will swing lateraily on the trunnions' 40 to accommodate such uneven ground, but the shaft 89 being axially aligned with the trunnions such tilting will not effect the drive of the conveyor. In

operating over hilly ground wherein the'tractor is in clined forwardly or rearwardly relative to the scraper, the A-frame will rock about the axes of the pins 30 to accommodate the relative inclination, and the telescoping shafts 86 and 87, together with the universal joints 85 and 88, will accommodate such swinging of one N-frame without interference if thef drive to tlie conveyor. Since *the gear -box 98 :is fixd relati've ='-to forward 'end of -theigooseneek andehe' 'axes o the shafts 94 and 104 are coaxial with the axis of t -he' fifth vvhte'elij post 46, the tractor can-turn to a right angle "rela- :tive to:.the scrap'er without altefi'ng the rive -to the -iconveyor or applying any 'undue stress -to' the part's. v

, *Whenlit is desired -to uncouple 'the s 'aper from the tractonithe hydraulicli-ries are disconuected, the fast'e'n- -ingdevices 101 are removed :vvhereby i the ge'ar box and :cap member 1 :can he removed, mthe splined portion bf the shaft 164 being pulledfrom th'e couplingmember 406. Th'en 1 the -fastening' d'evices 51 are -removed and :th'e :ring -memher 50 s'eparated 'from the post 46' whereby the SIeeVefiS- and forward end of the gooseneck may-he lifted from 1 the 'fifth. wheel "to complete the uncoupling -of1the' tractor -and scraper. The coupling of thescraper to ":the tractor is elfe'cted by reversing the yoperation,

described:reIatiVeno-the uncoupling.

In the, fo'rr'n c'af the invention "illustrated in Figsi9 and 10, the 'clutch doupling theshaft 68 with"the' pulley 74 -is"-omitted,' andra pulley 130' is fixed to the shaft '68 and operatively connected by a belt 73 with the pulley 72 that is fixed onf the *shaft 70. Irv-order =to e'ffect driving engage'ment of the helt i73 with -.the pulleys I'SOand' 72 a ;roller-='131: is moi1nted:on a 'lever 132 pivotally mounte d as:at--'1&3 *with'the other end of thelever counectedas -at with a ;piston and 135 'ext'e'nding from -hydi aulic 'ortpneumatic cyli-nder 136. :A spring is 'connec-te'd no the arm I32-and to= a housing l-38ito-"urge the roller 131 away fro'mthe belt-73 w-hereby the-belt73"wil1 he Floo'sely trained over :the pulleys to eifect disengagement of the driving connection. Extending of -the rod 135 from i the cylinder 136'- swings the roller 1 31 into engagementwith' thebelts 73 to tighten same on the pulleys :and-efiect' driving engagementtherehtween. Mechanical means 'formoving the lever 132 and roller 1'31 thereon to tighten or loosen the beltmay be-used if" desired.

'In *t-be form 'of the invention "illustrated in-Figs. ll andl2, the tractor 140-is of -a two-wheeltype. The :i'nverted U'-frarrie 141 has the lower ends of 'the legs fixed as-by welding'to the' axle housings lfl. A straight *shaft 143 is -=sub'stituted "for the telescoping shafts 86 and 87. The remaini'n'g structure of the F drives, gear boxes, andi fifthwheel are "-the "same as illustrated and deserihed relative to the structures -shown in :Figs. --1 t to '8 inclusive-for the founwheel type tractor. F-he inverted U fra'me 141 being :rigid with :the tractor axlevsupports the -zrocker ifram'e'34 and fifth wh'eel thereon in such a:-m'an'ner that 'the driving wheels 144 of the :tractor isupportithe tractor and 'the forward end ofthe gooseneck fl an'cl hold the' tractor relative 'the're'to whereby the tractor an'd :scraper operate *as a four-wheeled device wherein :the forward axleis swingable for -.t'urning, the rocker fame-and fifth Wheel permitting the structure to-move over =uneven :ground for relative -la'teral tilt and for relative turning movem'ent. Otherwise, the operation of-thes-strueture -shown in Figs. '11 and :12 is the same as shown andillustrated:in Figs. '1 'to 8 inclusive.

elt is to =he understood that while=-I fhave illustrated and tlescrihed-certainforms of my invention, it is not 'to betlirnitedto the 'specifieforms or arrangements of parts herein described and =sho'wn *except :insofar a's "such limitations are :included in the claims.

What l claim 'and desire to:secur'e byl;e'tters 'Patent is:

*1. A coupling device forcoupling a'trailer'toa tractor wherein "the trailer has a :driven member thereon and the -tractor has an auxiliary power drive shaft 1 comprising, *a supporting mernber 'pivotally mounted on the tractbnforswinging movementfore and aft-about an "axis extending transvefsely of "the tractor, an intermediate member, *mea'ns swingably supporting :said intermediate member on the supporting'member for lateral swinging movement about an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor, a hollow pb'st ext'en'cling upwardly -fr6m' said aid intermediatefirlemher," v

- x tension having a bearing nien'iher t'heton i'hioYaBly and fo tati'lbly slevd on tne -pdszg rifig 'inerrlhr 'fiid a an the was ender said hollow 'po'st and-en a in i said hearing-hemher' to retain saine *a'1id 1 limit longitu- "d'inal slidir'ig :mnvement mares: on' saicl past, power transmission rnaus fiird -"i elative the trailer e'xt'efision al5ove the -holl6w post 'a-rid fiaving a driven? shaft per- 19' ative'ly confic'ted'with the ariven niembe I on'the trailer, 'saidpower transmission having a -driving' s'haft extending down'v'ilar'dly 'and axially into the*holldw'post liaving o erative connection with-said powr tfansniission nieans for driving same, aiseondf po'vver transmission means fix'edrelativc to-'the interniediate irliirnlier and havin'gan 'inpiit shaft coaxial with'the aids of latei'ah'swinging 'movement of said intermdiate memlir and an output shaft 'exteriding upwardlyfiadd axially in'to said-hollo'vv post, -rnea'ns- PTerative'ly and s'ep'a'i'a'tely' coiincting said output shaft "of said seeo'nd power transmission with F the driving shaft -of said 'fi'rst 'sw'er transmission, arid mea'ns operativelyconnecting thie -auxiliary power drive shaft with the input 'sha'fb' f said second power transing-'3 frame a'nd a' differential Htiifsing Mth-a rearwardly xtendirig' auxiliafypower drive'='shaft an earth vehicle havingj an extensidn pro'eting rwai'dly' o erthe 'top of the differential housingmeans pivotally 'mouhtiiig the rocker'memheronthe tractor for' fore and errand for lateral swingingmoveirie'nt relative the'tractrfi af hollow spindle fixed on the rocker 1 member and ex'te'ndirlg upwardly 1 therefrom rearwardly of s'aid pivotal l rnbli'ilting means and -at a substantiallyright angle to the ax-is of the lateral swinging movement' of the 'rocker' memb'er,

a sleeve 'secii'red to the extensionfof the'earth moving vehicle and'rernovably and rotatably rr'idunt'ed on the hollow spindle, means remo'v'ably l mounted on "said spindle and engaging the sleeve" toretains'aid sleeve "and vehicle extension and limit longitudinal'movenient thereof on' said spindle for rotatably-coupling the-tractor and vehicle, a driven member on the-earth moving vehicle,

-a power transmission mechanismfsupporte d on the "rocker member and having aninput' shaft ext'e'ndifig rearwardly therefrom" and coaxial with 5 a pivotal -moi inting ofthe-rockenme'mber and an output shaft extending into the hollow" spindle in *coaJt-ial'relatidn thereto, a second power transmission fixed relative to"-the vehic le extehsionabove the hollow'spindle an'd having'an input shaft extending downwardly into said hollo'W -spi'ndle in coaxial relation therewith and an output shaft extending toward the vehicle, means 'separahly' atid operatively connecting said output-shaft 'ofthefi'rst -power transmission mechanism with the input shaft of the second power transmission mechanism "whereby 'said shafts in said hollow spindle'separate when the sleeve is removd fromsaid hollow spiudlegmeans operatively' connecting the output shaft of the'second powertransiiiis's'ionniech- 'anism with the driven I member-on said "vehicle, and

means operati'velyconnecting" the auxiliary powerdrive shaft with the input shaft of the first transmission mechanism whereby the driven member on the' e'arth' moving vehicle is operatedfrom the-auxiliary power" shaffiofthe tractor.

. "3. Earth rnoving apparatus comprising, "a"tra'ctor having a frame and a I differential housin'gwith a rearwardly extending auxiliary powerdrive shaft, an' earth 'rnovin'g vehicle having an extensionl proje'cting forwardly-over the topof the differential housing of the tiacto'r, asupport extending transversely 'over the differential housmgymeans on opposed sides of the difieren'tial housin g pivotally mounting the support f6r foreand"aftswing ing movement on an 'ax'isextendin'g transversely "of the tractor, a rocker member, bearing means p'votally mounting 'therockr memb'eron the 'supprtsfilistantial- 13 above the differential housing for lateral swinging movement relative the tractor on an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor, a hollow spindle fixed on the rocker member and extending upwardly therefrom rearwardly of said bearing means and at a substantially right angle to the axis of the swinging movement of the rocker member, a sleeve secured to the extension of the earth moving vehicle and removably and rotatably mounted on the hollow spindle, means removably mounted on said spindle and engaging the sleeve to retain said sleeve and vehicle extension and limit longitudinal movement thereof on said spindle for rotatably coupling the tractor and vehicle, a driven member on the earth moving vehicle, a power transmission mechanism supported on the rocker member rearwardly of said bearing means pivotally mounting the rocker member and having an input shaft coaxial therewith and an output shaft extending into the hollow spindle in coaxial relation thereto, a second power transmission fixed relative to the vehicle extension above the hollow spindle and having an input shaft extending downwardly into said hollow spindle in coaxial relation therewith and an output shaft extending toward the vehicle, means separably and operably connecting said output shaft of the first power transmission mechanism with the input shaft of the second power transmission mechanism whereby said shafts in said hol low spindle separate when said sleeve is removed from said hollow spindle, means operatively connecting the output shaft of the second power transmission mechanism with the driven member on said vehicle, and means operatively connecting the auxiliary power drive shaft with the input shaft of the first transmission mechanism whereby the driven member on the earth moving vehicle is operated from the auxiliary power shaft of the tractor.

4. Earth moving apparatus comprising, a tractor having a frame and a differential housing with a rearwardly extending auxiliary power drive shaft, an earth moving vehicle having an extension projecting forwardly over the top of the differential housing of the tractor, a support extending transversely over the differential housing, means on opposed sides of the differential housing pivotally mounting the support for fore and aft swinging movement on an axis extending transversely of the tractor, a rocker member, adjustable bearing means pivotally mounting the rocker member on the support substantially above the differential housing for lateral swinging movement relative the tractor on an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor, said adjustable bearing means limiting relative axial movement of the rocker member and support, a hollow spindle fixed on the rocker member and extending upwardly therefrom rearwardly of said adjustable bearing means and at a substantially right angle to the axis of the swinging movement of the rocker member, a sleeve secured to the extension of the earth moving vehicle and removably and rotatably mounted on the hollow spindle, means removably mounted on said spindle and engaging the sleeve to retain said sleeve and vehicle extension and limit longitudinal movement thereof on said spindle for rotatably coupling the tractor and vehicle, a driven member on the earth moving vehicle, a telescoping shaft having one end operatively connected with said driven member and the other end extending toward the sleeve on the vehicle extension, a power transmission mechanism supported on the rocker member rearwardly of said adjustable bearing means pivotally mounting the rocker member and having an input shaft coaxial therewith and an output shaft extending into the hollow spindle in coaxial relation thereto, a second power transmission fixed relative to the vehicle extension above the hollow spindle and having an input shaft extending downwardly into said hollow spindle in coaxial relation therewith and an output shaft extending toward the vehicle, means operably and separably connecting said output shaft of the first power transmission mechanism with the input shaft of the second power transmission mechanism, whereby said shafts in the hollow spindle separate when said sleeve is removed from said hollow spindle, means operatively connecting the output shaft of the second power transmission mechanism with the adjacent end of the telescoping shaft, and means operatively connecting the auxiliary power drive shaft with the input shaft of the first transmission mechanism wherebythe driven member on the earth moving vehicle is operated from the auxiliary power shaft of the tractor.

5. Earth moving apparatus comprising, a tractor having a frame and a differential housing with a rearwardly extending auxiliary power drive shaft, an earth moving vehicle having an extension projecting forwardly over the top of the difiereutial housing of the tractor, a support extending transversely over the differential housing, means on opposed sides of the differential housing pivotally mounting the support for fore and aft swinging movement on an axis extending transversely of the tractor, a rocker member, means pivotally mounting the rocker member on the support substantially above the differential housing for lateral swinging movement relative the tractor on an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor, a hollow spindle fixed on the rocker member and extending upwardly therefrom at a substantially right angle to the axis of the swinging movement of the rocker member, a sleeve secured to the extension of the earth moving vehicle and removably and rotatably mounted on the hollow spindle, means on said spindle and engaging the sleeve to retain said sleeve and vehicle extension on said spindle for rotatably coupling the tractor and vehicle, a driven member on the earth moving vehicle, a gear box fixed on the vehicle extension above the hollow post and having input and output shafts in substantially right angle relation with the input shaft extending downwardly into the hollow post in coaxial relation therewith and the output shaft extending toward the vehicle, coupling means operatively connecting the output shaft of said gear box with the driven member, a second gear box having an input shaft and output shaft in right angle relation supported on the rocker frame with the input shaft in coaxial relation with the pivotal mounting of the rocker member and the output shaft extending upwardly in the hollow post in coaxial relation therewith, said output shaft of the second gear box being connected with the input shaft of the first gear box, a rearward frame extension fixed to the frame of the tractor, a belt drive having vertically spaced pulleys operatively connected by a belt, means supporting said belt drive on the frame extension with one pulley substantially aligned with the auxiliary power drive shaft of the tractor, a shaft extension operatively connecting the auxiliary power drive shaft and said one pulley, means operatively connecting said other pulley and the input shaft of the second gear box, and means effecting driving engagement of the belts and pulleys whereby rotation of the auxiliary power drive shaft drives the driven member on the earth moving vehicle in any relative position of the tractor and earth moving vehicle.

6. Earth moving apparatus comprising, a tractor having a frame and a differential housing with a rearwardly extending auxiliary power drive shaft, an earth moving vehicle having an extension projecting forwardly over the top of the differential housing of the tractor, a support extending transversely over the differential housing, means on opposed sides of the differential housing pivotally mounting the support for fore and aft swinging movement on an axis extending transversely of the tractor, a rocker member, means pivotally mounting the rocker member on the support substantially above the differential housing for lateral swinging movement relative the tractor on an axis extending longitudinally of the tractor, a hollow spindle fixed on the rocker member and extending upwardly therefrom at a substantially right angle to eiherg iii a'xis of the' swinging movement of the rc'fcker member; asleeve securecl'to thee'xtension of the earthmoving vehicle-and rerno'v'ab'iy and rotatably m'ou'ntedon'the hollowspindlefm'eans on said spindle and engaging the I "sleeveto'retainsaid sleeve and vehicle'extension on said *spindle for 'ro'tat'ably couplin'g the tractor and -vehicle,'a driven" rhein'ber' on the "earth moving vehicle; a telescoping shaft having'o'ne *end-operativly connected with said dr'iven member and the other end'extendmg'toward the sleeve onthe vehicle extensionja-gear box fixedon the vehicle extension above the hollow post and having input and output shafts in substantially right angle relation with the inputshaft extending downwardly into the hollow pb'stincoixial relation therewith and theoutput shaft extending toward the""vehicle,-coupling means operatively V "'connec't-irig' theoutput-shaft of'said-gear box with the --other end'ofthe telescopingshaft connected'with'the drive'u membena-second gear box having an input sha'ft and output shaft in right-anglerelation supported on'the "rocker frame with the inputshaft in coaxial relation with the pivotal mounting of the rocker member and the outpmshaft extending upwardly in the hollowpost inc'ofaxial 'relati'ontherewith, means operatively connecting the output shaft of the second gear-430x with" the input shaft of th e first gearbox, a rearward name extension fixed-to the-frame of the tracton'abelt drive'having ver-tically spaceci pulleys operatively connected by a belt, means supporting said'belt driveon the frame extension -"'w'ith one pulley substantially aligned with the auxiliary power: drive shaft of the tractor, a shaft extension operatively connecting the auxiliary power drive shaft and Said one-pulle a telescoping shaft-between the other pulley andthe input'shaft of the-second gear-box, flexible joints connecting said telescopingshaft with said other pulley and the inputshaft of the'secondgear box and means effecting driving engagement of *the belts and' pulleys 'whereby' rotation of the-auxiliary power drive shaft drives the driven member on the'earth moving vehicle in any relative position of the tractor and earth moving vehicle. 7.-Earth moving apparatus comprising,- a two wheeled tractor having a frame and a differential housing with a rearwardly extending auxiliary power drive shaft, an earth moving vehicle having an extension projectingforwardly over the top of the difierential housingof the tractor, a support extending transversely over the'ditfe'rential housing and fixed relative thereto, a rocker member, means pivotally mounting the rocker memberon-tthe'support-substantially above the differential housing for lateral -swinging movementrelative' the tractor on an'axis extending longitudinally-of the tractor, 'a hollow spindle t V 12 r fixd "on "the mister *rn'enib'erf'afid extending "upwardly 'the'refr'oniiafa substantially-right angle to dreams of the swinging movement of the .rockerirnember, 'a sleeve secured to the fextens'ion'of the earth moving 'vehicle and rernovablyandrotatably'rriounted'on the hollow spindle, 'meansonsaid spindle and engaging the sleeve to retain said sleeveand vehicle extension on said spindle for rotatably coupling. 7 the tractor and 1 vehicle, a 'driven memher on" thejearth movingvehicle, a gear box fixed on the vehicleext'ension above the hollow post and having input and output shafts substantially right angle relation and operatively connected with the input shaft extending "downwardly into the hollowpost in coaxial relation therewith "and the output shaft extending toward the vehicle, coupling [means 'operatively" connecting the (input shaft of said gearbox with the'driven member, a second gear -box having 'an input shaft and output shaft in right angle relationsupportedonthe rocker frame with the input 'sha'ft'in coaxial relation with the pivotal mounting of the rocker member and the output shaftex'tending upfwardly inthe hollow post'inhoaxial relation therewith,

' said outputshaft'ofthesecond'gear box being operatively connected *with' the input shaft of the first gear box, a rearward frame extensionfixecl' to the franiet'of the 'trac'torfa'beltdrive having vertically spaced pulleys op- "e ratively' connected by a belt,"in'eans supporting said belt drive on the framejxtension with one pulley substantially "alignedwith the'aux'iliary power'd'rive shaft of the tractor,

a shaft extension operative'ly connecting the auxiliary powerdrive shaft and s'aid'one pulley, ashaft operatively the second 'gear box, and'means efiecting' driving-em igag'rnent-of the 'belts-'and pulleyswhereby rotation of the auxiliary powerdrive shaft drives'the driven memher on the earth moving vehicle in any relative position 'of the tractor and 'earth moving vehicle.

'RferencesCited in the file of this patent UNITED "STATES PATENTS 

